Machine for making brush-knots.



PATENTED JUNE 13, 1905.

M. G. IMBAGH. MACHINE FOR MAKING BRUSH KNOTS.

APPLICATION FILED JUN 14, 1904.

9 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

QM ind/e30 W PATENTED JUNE 13, 1905.

M. G. IMBAOH.

MACHINE FOR MAKING BRUSH KNOTS.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 14, 1904.

Y 9 SHEETSSHEET 2.

No. 792,267. PATENTED JUNE 13, 1905. M. G. IMBAGH. MACHINE FOR MAKING BRUSH KNOTS.

APPLIOITION FILED JUNE 14, 1904. v

9 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

PATENTED JUNE 18, 1905.

M. G. IMBAOH.

MACHINE FOR MAKING BRUSH KNOTS.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 14, 1904.

9 SHEETS-SHEBT 4.

NO. 792,267 PATENTED JUNE 13, 1905.

M. G. IMBAGH. MACHINE FOR MAKING BRUSH KNUTS.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 14, 1904.

BSHEETB-SEEET 5.

PATENTED JUNE '13, 1905;

M. G IMBAOH. MACHINE FOR MAKING BRUSH KNOTS.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 14, 1904.

9 SHEETS-SHEET 6.

jig meow M P-ATENTED JUNE 18, 1905.

M. G. IMBAGH.

CHINE FOR MAKING BRUSH KNOTS.

APP

LIOATION FILED JUNE 14, 190

9 SHEETS-SHEET 7- 8% u v who c PATENTEDJUNE 13, 1905.

M. G. IMBAGH.

MACHINE FOR MAKING BRUSH KNOTS.

APPLICATION I'ILED I UHE 14, 1904.

9 SHEETS-SHEET B.

PAT-ENTED JUNE 13, 1905.

M. G. IMBAGH.

MACHINE FOR MAKING BRUSH KNOTS.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 14, 1904.

9 SHEETS-SHEET 9.

Swive Moi & MM @513 filkto mw 1. I

UNITED STATES Patented June 13, 1905.

PATENT @rrrcn.

MARTIN G. IMBACH, OF NEW YORK, N. Y., ASSIGNOR TO CHARLES LOONEN, OF PARIS, FRANCE.

MACHINE FOR MAKING BRUSH-KNOTS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 792,267, dated June 13, 1905. Application filed June 14, 1904. Serial No. 212,502.

To (all whom it 7nrn7 concern:

Be it known that I, MARTIN GJMBAGH, acitizen of the United States, residing in New York, borough of Brooklyn and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Machines for Making Brushknots, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to an improved machine for making wire-tied brush-knots-that is to say, tufts of bristles or other fibers which are bent up near the center of their length and tied together by means of wire and inserted into a ferrule, so as to be ready for use in the manufacture of toilet and other brushes; and the invention consists of a machine for making brush-knots which comprises in its general outlines an intermittently-rotating table provided with equidistant ferrule-sockets near its circumference, a bristle-feed box, a vertically-reciprocating bristle-separating device locatcd adjacent to said bristle-feed box and adapted to take up a certain quantity of bristles from the same, horizontallyrecipro eating lingers or tongs for grasping the tufts of bristles in the separator-box and transmitting them toward and above the rotary table, means for feeding'a wire to a point above said tuft of bristles, a transversely-reciprocating' cultcr-bar provided with a cutter and aknifeedged bar, forming-lingers for bending the wire-blank on said knife-edged bar and placing it over the tuft of bristles, a ferrule-supply hopper arranged adjacent to the rotary table, means for conveying the ferrules from said hopper into the sockets of the rotary table, means for conveying the tuft of bristles downward to the rotary table and feeding the ends of the bent wire-blanks into the ferrules, a wire-twisting mechanism located below the rotary table and vertically in line with the forming-fingers for grasping and drawing down the ends of the wire-blank into the ferrules, bending the tufts of bristles into U shape in the ferrules, and twisting the ends of the wire-blanks, and means for ejecting the thus-formed brush-knots from the ferrulesockets in the rotary table.

The invention consists, further, of motiontransmitting devices by which the different operative parts referred to are actuated at the proper time by cams on a driving-shaft, in

connection with stationary fulcrum shafts and intermediate levers; and the invention consists, lastly, of other novel features and combinations of parts, which will be fully described hereinafter and finally pointed out in the claims.

In the accompanying drawings, illustrative of one embodiment of the invention, Figure 1 represents a front elevation of myimproved machine for making brush-knots. Fig. 1 is a detail vertical section, drawn on a larger scale, through the ferrule supply hopper. Fig. 2 is a plan view of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a rear elevation showing the driving cam-shaft and the transmitting crank-levers of the bristleseparating device and forming-fingers. Fig. tis avertical longitudinal section on line 44:, Fig. 2. Fig. 5 is a side elevation taken from the right-hand side of the machine. Fig. 6 is adetail of the laterally-reciprocating cutter-bar with the wire-cutter and knife-edged bar. Fig. 7 is a detail horizontal section of the locking device for the intermittently-rotating table. Fig. 8 is a vertical transverse section of the machine on line 8 8, Fig. 2, the side plate of the guide-box of the cutter-bar being removed for showing more clearly the cutterbar. Figs. 8 and 8" are respectively enlarged vertical and horizontal sections showing the ejector mechanism in detail. Figs. 9 and 10 are respectively a detail horizontal section on line 9 9, Fig. 8, and a vertical transverse section on line 10 10, Fig. 8, drawn on a larger scale. Fig. 11 is a vertical longitudinal section, drawn on a larger scale, of the bristle feeding and transmitting mechanisms, the bristle-separating devices, and the wire-blank cutting and bending devices. Figs. 12 and 13 are respectively a detail side and end view of the linger-bar and the wire-blank-forming fingers. Figs. 14 and 15 are respectivelyaside and end view of the locking-bar of the forming-fingers. Fig. 16 is a detail horizontal section through the forming-fingers on line 16 16, Fig. 12. Fig. 17 is a detail top view showing the wire-twisting fingers and the mechanism for imparting intermittent rotary motion to the same. Figs. 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24:, and 25 are detail vertical sections of the operating mechanisms for making and linishing a brush-knot, showing them. in dili'erent successive positions. Figs. 26 to 30 are diagrams showing the successive stages of bending and tying the wire-blank around the bristles and forming the brush-knot, and Fig. 31 is a side view of a completed wire-tied brush-knot.

Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts.

Referring to the drawings, A represents the supporting-frame of my improved machine for making brush-knots.

S is the main driving-shaft, which is supported in journal-bearings of suitable brackets at the rear of the sup 'iorting-frame, parallel with the longitudinal axis of the same, said shaft receiving rotary motion by a beltand pulley transmission from an overhead shaft in the usual manner.

0 represents a stationary bed-plate which is supported by the frame A and on which the operative parts of the machine are SUpPOl'lLGtl.

The machine consists, in its essential features, of a bristle-feed box B, which is arranged at the right-hand end of the bed-plate (J; a bristle-separating device D, arranged adjacent to the outgoing end of the bristlefeed box; horizontally-reciprocating transmitting lingers or tongs E above the feed-box; a rotary table T, to which intermittent rotary motion is imparted, located at the opposite side of the bristle-separating device, said table being provided with equidistant ferrulesockets near its circumference and notches for the locking mechanism in the circumference adjacent to said holes and small holes for the pins of the ejector-bar, one at each side of the socket; a wire-feeding mechanism located at the left-hand end of the bed-plate C and extending over the rotary table T; wire-forming lingers F F; a horizontally-rcciprocating cu tter-bar for cutting and bending the wire, located at right angles to the bristle-transmitting lingers and wire-feed, and a wire-twisting mechanism that is located below the formingfingers and the rotary table for grasping the ends of the bent wire blank, drawing them and the bristles into the ferrules located in the sockets of the rotary table, and then twisting the wires around the bristles for tying them together.

In addition to the dillerent mechanisms referred to there are a number of other accessories, such as theferrule feed device by which the ferrules are fed to the socket-holes in the rotary table; the locking mechanism for the rotary table, so that the dillerent operations required for forming the brush-knot can be performed; the mechanism for releasing the locking device, and the ejector for the completed brush-knots and ferrules.

The Awhile-fwd50:11. Thebristle-box B consists of a bottom plate and two adjustable side plates 7). The bottom plate is supported at some distance above the bed-plate O. The side walls 7/ are provided with slotted ears 1/ and headed clan'iping-screws I)", so that their distance from each other can readily be adjusted to the length of the bristles to be made into brush-lmots. The bristles are retained in the bristle-box by means of guide-rods 7), which are inclined at their forward ends toward the outgoing end of the bottom plate and at such a distance from the same that the thickness of the tufts of bristles fed forward between the delivery-throat thus formed is regulated. The guide-rods 7) are attached to the under side of a transverse plate U, which is supported above the bristle-feed box by upright bolts/f, said bolts having nuts at their upper threaded ends above and below the plate 7/ for permitting the adjustment of the same. On the plate If the bristle-transmitting lingers E are supported. Iln the bristlefeed box is arranged a follower b the red of which is guided at its outer end by a guide pulley 7), supported at the end of the bottom plate 7). The follower b exerts a uniform pressure on the bristles by means of a weight 7), that is suspended by a wire 7)" passing over a second guide-pulley to the outer end of the follower-rod, as shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 4.

T/m bristle-firm!mmizitiwfl fiaqcrsz-0n the plate If, supported above the bristle-feed box, is arranged a pair of forked horizontally-reci 'irocating bristle-transmitting lingers E, the lower linger of which is guided in ways of the plate I), while the upper linger is pivoted to the lower linger and acted upon at its rear end by a spring a, tending to close the lingers. The upper linger is connected rigidly at its pivot to a vertical pivot-arm a, which in turn is pivotally connected to a horizontal link 0 the latter being also pivoted to a horizontal crank-lever 1:", fulcrumed at the rear part of the bed-plate. An antifriction-roller 0" at the rear end of said crank-lever engages a grooved. cam 12" on the driving-shaft S, which cam is so shaped as to impart the required reciprocating movement to the bristle-transmitting lingers E at the proper time. A keeper 0 is lixed to the plate l1 and bears upon the upper linger during the greater part of its movement; but

said finger moves beyond said keeper at the end of its forward movement and is disengaged therefrom, so that the spring 0 causes the closing of the lingers E upon the tuft of bristles held by the separator-bars. Owing to the peculiar shape of the cam a, the link 1:" pulls the pivot-arm into inclined position upon the return movement of the lingers E, so that the rear end of the upper linger, owing to the rigid connection between the latter and said pivot-arm, is thereby depressed. and permitted to pass again beneath the keeper 0,

after which the pivot-arm assumes again its vertical position.

T/w L)t -Hf/w-kcpfl'lwil (heifer. Adjacent to the delivery-throat of the bristle-feed box is arranged the bristle-separating device D, which consists of live partsan upper guidebox (Z for guiding the upper vertically-reciprocating separator-bar (Z' and bristlc-cut-olf bar and a lower guide-box (1" for guiding the lower separator-bar Z. The separatorbars and the cut-off bar serve for separating a certain quantity of bristles from the body of bristles in the throat of the bristle-feed box and for holding this quantity in a cavity formed by the recessed and overlapping ends of the upper and lower separator-bars, said cavity being of such dimensions as to receive and hold a quantity of bristles sufficient to form a brush-knot. The recessed lower end of the upper separator-bar cZ laps over the recessed upper end of the lower separator-bar 1/, the recess in the upper bar facing the delivery-throat, while the recess in the lower bar faces in the opposite direction. The recess in the upper bar is longer than the recess in the lower bar, so that when the recessed end of the upper bar arrives in the recess of the lower bar the cavity referred to is formed adjacent to the delivery-throat of the feed-box and a tuft of bristles delivered into the cavity, as shown in Fig. 18. vided with a knife-edged lower end and cuts off in descending the required quantity of bristles so as to form, with the cavity formed by the recessed ends of the upper and lower separator-bars, a bristle-holding box by which the tuft of bristles can be raised up into the path of the transmitting-iingers. The upper and lower separator-bars are provided on their sides facing the bristle-feed box with longitudinal grooves (l 5 for guiding the bristle-cutofli' bar, which is provided with a longitudinal rib zl that engages with the grooves of the bars so as to hold the cut-off bar tightly on the separator-bars during their downward and upward motion in the upper and lower guideboxes when receiving and transmitting the tufts of bristles contained in the cavity at their abutting ends. The grooves are made of sufiicient length so as to permit the free vertically-reciprocating movement of the cut-off bar. in their normal position the lower separator-bar closes the outgoing end of the delivery-throat of the feed-box, so as to prevent the discharge of bristles from the same, while the upper separator-bar and cut-ofi bar are in the upper guide-box. As soon as the upper separator-bar has moved downon the lower separator-bar so that the cavity formed at their ends is in line with the throat of the feedbox they receive the bristles fed from the same. The cutoff bar then descends and cuts off the bristles. The three bars then move together with the bristles in their cavity in upward direction into the path of the The cut-off bar (l 'is protransmitting-fingers.' These fingers are provided with transverse recesses 0 in their faces for grasping the ends of the tuft of bristles held by the separator-bars. bars then recede in opposite direction into their normal positions of rest, so as to permit the transmitting-fingers to move toward the forming-fingers and over one of the ferrulesockets in the rotary table.

The required motion is imparted to the upper separator-bar and the cut-off bar by cams (Z (Z on the driving-shaft S and crank-levers d" (1 placed on a fulcrum-shaft S, supported in suitable brackets above the bed-plate, while the lower separator-bar receives its motion from an intermediate cam-lever (i actuated by a cam (Z on the driving-shaft S, said cam-lever being keyed to a lower fulcrumshaft S so as to rock the same and to actuate a crank-arm (Z which is keyed to said fulcrum-shaft by means of a collar (Z and is extended forward under the supporting-table, being connected, by means of a link (1 with the lower end of the lower separator-bar. The lower fulcrum-shaft S is, like the upper fulcrum-shaft, supported in brackets at the rear of the bed-plate, as shown in Figs. 3 and 5. The crank-levers are provided with antifriction-rollers at the ends engaging with the cam-grooves and connected with the separator-bars by pivot-links. The forwardlyextending arms of the crank-levers are connected by tension-springs with suitable points on the bed-plate, so that the separator-bars exert a firm hold on the bristles while being carried up and delivered to the transmittingfingers.

T/w form/i72 flfi crs (m/Z their Zoe/ring- 7mr.\Vhen the transmitting-fingers E come to a stop below the forming-fingers F F, the horizontal tuft of bristles is supported vertically above one of the ferrule-sockets in the rotary table. The forming-fingers F F are located in a guide-boxfadjacent to the upper guide-box (Z of the separator-bars and fulcrumed to a linger-barf", while a fingerlocking bar f is guided sidewise of the fingers in the guide-box, as shown clearly in Fig. 9. The linger-barf" is provided back of the finger F with a downwardly-extending arm f, having a wedge-shaped end f, corresponding with the V-shaped notches in the circumference of the rotary table T. The finger locking bar f is provided with a wedge-shaped block adjacent to the fingerbar and of sufficient thickness to engage the upper tapering ends of the forming-lingers. The finger-locking bar f is provided at its lower end with a stem or pusher f, that extends in downward direction, so as to engage the rear end of the ejector-bar when the finger-locking bar arrives at its lowermost position. The lower ends of the forming-fingers are below the end of the finger-bar and are grooved transversely across their adjacent The separatorfaces, so as to form a cavity for receiving the tuft of bristles delivered by the transmitting- [ingers and hold them in horizontal postion. In addition to the transverse grooves f the fingers are provided with vertical grooves f, which cross the transverse grooves, as shown in detail in Fig. 16, for permitting the entrance of a curved arm f, attached to the lower end of the locking-bar when the forming-fingers are closed. The curved arm f" bears on the tuft of bristles and pushes the same clear of the forming-lingers after they are opened by the wedge-block of the lockingbar. A helical spring is interposed between the lower ends of the forming-fingers, so as to open them as soon as the wedge-block releases the upper ends of the same. The wedge-block is provided with recesses at its sides, so as to permit the upper ends of the lingers to enter into the same when their lower ends arrive near the rotary table, as shown in Fig. 22, the recessed wedge-block serving, in connection with the tension-spring between the forming-lingers, for opening and closing the same. To the outside of the lower ends of each for1ning-linger is applied a wireguide plate f which is in contact with the finger and extended below the lower end of the same. The upper ends of the wire-guide plates are attached to the sides of the lingerbar. The lower ends of the wire-guide plates f are provided with \l-shaped recesses f for guiding and holding the end of the wire which is fed by the wire-feeding mechanism across the lower end of the guide-box of the finger-bar. \Vhcn the curved arm f" on the lower end of the linger-locking bar enters the longitudinal grooves in the ends of the forming-fingers, it presses by its recessed lower end on the wire blank bent into V shape by the forming-lingers and holds it on the tuft of bristles during the descending motion of the same. The normal position of the fingerbar and locking-bar is above the wire, which is fed transversely into the guide-box of the linger and locking bars.

Tlransversely of and at right angles to the lower end of the guide-box f is arranged a horizontal guide-box which is, like the guide-boxes of the separator-bars and fingerbar, supported 'on a yoke-shaped frame C, that is placed transversely to the bed-plate (J, as shown in Figs. 8 and 10. A cutter-bar g is guided in the box and connected at its rear end by a pivot-link with an elbow-lever g, that is fulcrumed to a standard g on the bed-plate (J. The upper arm of the elbow-lever 7" is connected by a spring-actuated rod pivoted thereto, with the upright standard of the yoke C, so that the spring-pressure produces the return of the cutter-bar at the proper time. The rear end of the elbow-lever g is provided with an antifriction-roller, that moves over the exterior surface of a cam on the driving-shaft S, said cam being so shaped as to produce the cutting off of the wire at the proper time. The cutter-bar g carries a cutting-knife at its left-hand side and a knife-edged bar at its center, as shown in Fig. 6, the latter being in vertical alinement with the axis of the linger-bar. The cutting-knife 5/ cuts off the wire fed across the lower end of the guide-box f, while the knifeedged bar serves for bending the wire blank cutoff by the cutting-knife in connection with the descending forming-lingers. The wire is held during the cutting action of the knife firmly in the recessed lower ends of the wireguide plates. By the descending motion of the lower ends of the forming-lingers the wire blank is bent in inverted-V shape on the knifeedged bar, as shown in Figs. 26 and 27, and transferred on the quick backward motion of the knife-bar by the forming-lingers onto the tuft of bristles at the median point of the same, the bristles being held by the jaws E. The forming-lingers F F are then actuated by the wedgef so as to clamp the wire blank about the tuft ofloristles,the latter being firmly gripped by said forming-lingers during the operation. The linger-bar, as well as the lingerlocking bar, is reciproeated by cranklevers f f from grooves in cams f f on the driving-shaft, said crank-levers being lo cated alongside of the crank-levers of the separator-bars on the upper fulcrum-shaft S.

The rotary l able (m1!fiu'rulc-fiwl ILOfl/Ml'.

On the bed-plate C is supported the rotary table T, to which intermittent rotary motion is imparted from a cam von the driving-shaft and an intermediate pawl-and-ratchet mechanism 0- 9' 1", connected with the shaft of the rotary table. (Shown in dotted lines in Fig. 2.) This mechanism moves the rotary table for a certain distance, so as to bring one of the ferrule-sockets vertically below the forming-lingers. The pawl-and-ratchet mechanism is operated and timed in such a manner that one ferrule-socket after the other near the circumference of the rotary table is moved into axial alinement with the brush-knot forming mechanisms. Any suitable pawl andratchet mechanism may be employed.

At the rear part of the rotary table is arranged a cylindrical ferrule-feed hopper H, into which a number of lead ferrules, such as are used for holding the brush-knots, are placed. The hopper H is provided with a conical bottom 71 and an opening /t in said bottom, connected with a ferrule-feed tube it", the lower of which is located above the ferrule-sockets of the table T. In the hopper H is arranged a partition-plate bf, which is applied to the upper end of the center shaft b of the hopper and provided with a number of openings by, which permit the dropping of the ferrules through the same onto the conical bottom h. One or more brushes if are attached to the under side of the partitionplate and extended in downward direction, so

as to terminate near the conical bottom and serve to sweep the ferrules over the conical bottom toward the discharge-opening it in the bottom of the hopper. This construction of the feed-hopper H serves for keeping up a uniform supply of ferrules to the socket-holes of the rotary table. A shaking motion is imparted to the feedhopper for producing the gradual dropping of the ferrules from the upper part of the hopper through the perforated partition-plate onto the bottom and the feeding of the ferrules through the feedtube into the ferrule-sockets of the rotary table. This shaking motion is imparted to the feed-hopper H by a crank-arm it, that is attached to the lower end of the center shaft 717, said crank-arm being connected with a helical spring ll at its outer end and provided with a lug A", that is intermittently engaged by a spring-actuated hook it", pivoted to a rocking lever it, which is fulcrumed to the bed-plate U. The rocking lever It is operated by a cam l1 on the driving-shaft S and cam-lever lt. (Shown in Fig. 2.) The rocking motion imparted to the lever [t produces the intermittent engagement of the hook [L with the lug 7t" on the crank-arm of the hopper-shaft. so as to impart an oscillating or shaking motion to the ferrule-feeding hopper, and thereby a successive supply of ferrules to the sockets in the rotary table as these sockets pass below the delivery end of the feed-tube. In place of the oscillating or shaking ferrule-feed hopper any other approved ferrule-feeding device may be used.

The wire-feeding rZeoice.The wire-feed I is arranged in line with the bristle-transmitting tingers and approximately on the same level therewith. The wire is supplied from a spool i, that is supported on upright supports 77 and guided over a pulley at the end of the bed-plate C, and then through between a set of straightening-rollers 2' through the bore of a wedge-piece 2 which is supported on the lower one of two slide-plates i, that are guided in ways on the stationary guide-plate 7' of the wire-feed device. The wedge-piece 7' projects through longitudinal slots of the stationary guide-plate and upper slide-plate 2" and engages the rear ends of fulcrumed and spring-actuated lingers 'z' the front ends of which grasp the wire, so as to feed it intermittently forward. The wire passes then through a tubular sleeve 1' and an eye 11" on the guide-box of the forming-fingers and through the V-shaped recesses of the holdingplates below the lower ends of the formingtingers into the path of the cutter and over the knife-edged bar, as shown in Figs. at and 11.

At the proper time after the wire blank is cut oli by the transversely-reciprocating cutter the wire is fed forward again by the action of the lower slide-plate, said slide-plate receiving its reciprocating motion by means of a lever which is fulcrumed to the bedplate 0 and which is engaged at its rear end by the circumferential cam-groove of a cam i on the driving-shaft S, as shown in Fig. 2. The forward motion of the lower slide-plate moves the upper slide-plate 91, together with the wire-holding fingers, forward and feeds the wire for the length required for the next blank. During the forward motion the forward ends of the wire'holding fingers i are tightly closed on the wire by the action of the wedge-piece 2' on the rear ends of the fingers, so as to produce at the same time the unwinding of the wire from the spool for the required length. As soon as the wire blank is cut off the lower slide-plate, together with the wedge piece i is moved backward in the slots of the stationary guide-plate and upper slide-plate, so that the wire-holding fingers are opened under the tension of the-spring applied to their rear ends and moved backward,with the upper guide-plate, under the action of the wedge-piece until they are engaged again by the forwardly-moving wedge-piece and applied tirmly at their forward or clamping ends to the wire. By this mechanism the intermittent forward feeding of the wire as required for the cutting off of the wire blanks necessary for the wiring of each tuft of bristles is obtained.

T/w crate-hoisting w'tec/tam sm.Vertically below the forming-lingers and below the ferrule-socket of the rotary table, which is then in line with the forming-fingers, is located a wire grasping and twisting mechanism M, to which vertically-reciprocating motion, as well as intermittent rotary motion on its axis, is im parted at the proper time. The fulcrumed and spring-actuated fingers m of the wire-twisting mechanism receive also an opening-and-closing movement at the proper time for taking hold of and releasing the ends of the wire blank placed around the tuft of bristles. The wire-twisting mechanism is guided in a guide-box m, which is supported on the bedplate C adjacent the guide-box of the lower separator-bar. In the guide-box m is located a tubular spindle m, that is guided in a collar m which is seated in the bed-plate adjacent to the lower end of the guide-box m, the upper end of which carries in its enlarged and diametrically-recessed upper part the twisting-fingers m The lower end of the tubular spindle m is connected by pivot-links m with the front end of a crank-lever m, that turns loosely on the lower fulcrum-shaft S and whose rear end is engaged by a cam Was on the driving-shaft S, as shown clearlyin Fig. 8. In the bore of the tubular spindle m is guided a vertically-reciprocating lock-bar m, the lower end of which is also connected by pivotlinks m with a second crank-lever m, that receives its motion at the proper time from a cam m on the driving-shaft S, the lower end of the tubular spindle, as well as the lower end of the lock-bar, being swiveled in cross- IIO heads between the pairs of pivot-links, by which the connection of the tubular spindle and lock-bar with their operatingcrank-levers is made, so as to permit both the tubular spindle and lock-bar to be rotated on their axes at the proper time. The upper end of the lock-bar in is flattened and adapted to enter between the lower ends of the fulcrumed twisting-lingers, located in the upper end of the tubular spindle m. \Vhen the lock-bar m enters between the lower ends of the lingers, the upper ends close for grasping the ends of the wire blank projecting below the table. \Vhen the lock-bar releases the lower ends of the fingers, they are opened by the tension of the spring between their upper ends and are spread apart sufficiently to permit the ends of the wire blank that project below the rotary table to enter between the ends of the twistinglingers. Above the collar m is guided on the bed-plate (J and a transverse recess in the base of the guide-box m a transverse rack-bar ll/ which meshes with a pinion m, formed in the upper end of the tubular spindle, said pinion having teeth of sufficient longitudinal length to provide for the engagement with the rack-bar in whatever vertical position the tubular spindle is placed. The rack-bar M is connected at its rear end with a lever a, that is fulcrumed to thebedplate, the opposite end of which is connected with the front end of a looped lever it, that rides on the driving-shaft S, and provided with pins it, which are acted upon by a suitably-shaped cam 7r on the driving-shaft S, as shown clearly in Figs. 2 and 3. The shape and position of the cam are so arranged that the proper reciprocating motion is imparted to the rack-bar for rotating the twisting-fingers at the proper time and to the required extent.

The Mush-Zr); orf-e, [0025511 1] dcm'ca. The brushknot-ejecting device N is shown in Figs. 1 and 2 and consists of an ejector-bar a, which is fulcrumed to an upright bracket 12/, attached to the bed-plate C and connected by a helical spring'w with the same. The rear end of the ejector-bar a is located vertically below the pusher f on the lock-bar of the forming-fingers, (shown in Figs. 14 and 15,) which pusher is so arranged as to pass near the circumference of the rotary table when striking the ejector-bar, as shown in Figs. 8 and 8' The forward end is bent at an angle to the main portion and provided with two vertically-projecting pins 21 which serve to enter into two small holes '21, which are arranged one at each side of theferrule-socketin the rotary table, as shown in Figs. 2 and 4E. The holes 12" serve for the purpose of guiding the pins 2) and permitting them to engage the lower end of the ferrule and move it, with the bristles in. the sa1ne,clear out of the ferrule-socket of the rotary table, so that the brush-knot is dropped over the edge of the rotary table into a suitl able receptacle placed on the bed-plate below the same. As one brush-knot after the other is ejected in this manner from the ferrulesockets of the rotary table they are free to receive another supply of ferrules as they pass below the feed-tube of the ferrule-feed hopper.

()pcrmi/iom- .he operation of the different parts has already been described in connection with their construction, and it is therefore only necessary to describe the successive steps which are necessary for separating and transmitting a tuft of bristles, placing the wire blank around the same, feeding it into the ferrule located in one of the ferrule-sockets of the rotary table, drawing the ends. of the wire blank, with the tuft of bristles. into the ferrule, so as to bend or double up the bristles, and the twisting of the wire around the bristles, so that they can be ejected, with the ferrule, as a finished brush-knot by the ejecting device. The sequence of the operations is fully illustrated in Fig. 11 and Figs. 18 to 31. Bristles of the required length are placed in the bristle-feed box in front of the follower. The pressure of the follower forces them forward toward the throat in the outgoing end of the feed-box against the lower separatorbar, which in its normal position closes the outgoing end, so as to prevent the dropping of the bristles at the outside of the deliverythroat of the feed-box. \Vhen the machine is started, a uniform pressure is exerted on the bristles by the weight at the end of the follower-rod. The wire is placed in the wirefeeding mechanism and its end inserted into the guide-box and the recessed ends of the wire-holding plates of the forming-lingers, as shown in Fig. 11. hen the machine is started, the upper separator-bar is lowered so that its recessed end forms, with the recessed upper end of the lower separator-bar, a cavity which is in line with the discharge-throat of the feed-box, so as to be filled with bristles. The separator cut-oii' bar then descends, cuts by its lower edge the required quantity of bristles, and takes them by the simultaneous motion of the three separator-bars in upward direction into the path of the reciprocating bristle-transmittinglingers, as shown in Fig. 19. The transmitting-lingers then move forward, take their position at both sides of the separatorbars, and grasp the ends of the tuft of bristles held by the same, so that the separator-bars can be returned to their normal position until the next tuft of bristles is to be separated. The bristle-transmitting lingers are then moved forward into the position shown in Fig. 20. Simultaneously with the forward motion of the bristle-transmitting lingers the wire blank has been cut oil by the cutter and bentby the forming-tingers over the transverse knife-edged bar into V shape, as shown in Figs. 26 and 27. The knife-edged bar is then quickly with drawn by its operating mechanism, so that the IIO V-shaped blank can be bent by the forminglingers around the center of the tuft of bristles, as shown in Fig. 28, to be transferred downwardly into the ferrule located in the ferrule-socket of the rotary table, as shown in Fig. 29. The lower ends of the wire blank are bent by the closing of the lower ends of the forming-lingers so as to be converging toward each other, so that they pass readily through the ferrule. The tuft of bristles and wire blank are moved downward by the closed forming-lingers and by the recessed end of the curved arm on the lock-bar of the forming-lingers toward the rotary table, as shown in Fig. 22. Before the downward motion of the forn'ling-lingers and lock-bar commences the transmitting-tingers are returned to their normal position over the foed-box, so as to be out of the way of the forming-fingers and ready for the next forward motion, as shown in Fig. 21. Simultaneously with the descending motion of the forming-fingers the wedge at the lower end of the linger-bar enters one of the notches in the circumference of the rotary table adjacent to the ferrule-socket, then vertically below the forming-fingers, so that the rotary table is firmly locked in position for permitting the wire ends to enter into the ferrule and the taking hold of the lower ends of the wire blank by the wire-twisting mechanism. The twisting-lingers grasp the projecting lower ends of the wire blank, pull it, with the bristles, down into the ferrule and below the same, so as to cause the bristles to be bent or doubled up in the ferrule. This position of the parts is shown in Figs. 23 and 30. As soon as the twisting-fingers grasp the lower converging ends of the wire blank the forming-fingers and their lock-bar are returned into their normal position in the guidebox, so as to permit the forward feeding of the wire ready for the cutting off of the next wire blank. The twisting-fingers are then rotated by their rack-and-pinion mechanism so as to twist the lower ends of the wires tightly onto the doubled-up bristles. This position is shown in Fig. 24, while Fig. 25 shows the normal position of the twistinglingers below the rotary table ready for the next twisting action. The rotary table is then moved for the required distance by its pawl-and-ratchet mechanism, so as to bring the next socket-hole into axial line with the forming and twisting lingers and the lockingarm of the guide-bar of thc forming-lingers. Simultaneously with the descent of the lockbar of the forming-lingers the ejecting-bar is actuated by the pusher at the lower end of the lock-bar, so that thc completed brush-knot is ejected, with the ferrule, from the socket of the rotary table by the pins at the forward end of the ejector-bar.

From the foregoing it will be readily perceived that most of the parts have to make several successive movements.

The bristlel ranged in transmitting fingers move from their normal position into position for grasping the bristles, then forward, so as to bring them into position below the forming-fingers for placing the wire blank around the same, then back into normal position. The separator-bars are moved from their normal position first into position for receiving and separating the required quantity of bristles, then bringing them up so as to be taken up by the transmitting-fingers, and then backinto their normal position. The forming-lingers receive first a downward motion, so as to bend the wire blank over the knife-edged bar, then in downward direction, so as to transmit the ends of the converging wire blank into the ferrule and the bristles into position on the upper surface of the rotary table, then back again into their normal position, the knife edge and cutter receiving a quick transversely-reciprocating motion for producing the cutting off of the wire blank and the bending of the same on the knife-edge preparatory to the transfer of the blank and the tuft of bristles, while the lock-bar of the forming-fingers receives a downwardly reciprocating motion independently of the forming-lingers, so as to push the wire blank and bristles in downward direction for delivering the lower ends of the wire blank to the twisting mechanism and opening the forming-lingersv The twisting-fingers receive first an upward motion for grasping the lower converging ends of the wire blank below the rotary table, then a downward motion for drawing the bristles into the ferrule and doubling them up, then a rotary motion for twisting the lower ends of the wire blank, and then a downward motion for returning into their normal position ready for the next action.

By the cooperation of the different parts described the brush-knots are completed and ready for being used in the manufacture of toilet-brushes. As soon as the tufts of bristles are set into the brushes the ferrules, which have only the function of holding the tufts in position, are removed from the same and returned to the machine for making the brush-knots, so as to be used over and over again.

Having thus described my invention, Iclaim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent- 1. In a machine for making wire-tied brushknots, the combination, with a bristle-feed box, of a bristle-separating mechanism located at the throat thereof, comprising oppositelydisposed separator-bars, a cut-off bar cooperating with said separator-bars for holding a tuft of bristles, and means for simultaneously moving said separator-bars and said cut-off bar toward a bristle-transmitting means.

2. In a machine for making wire-tied brushknots, the combination,with a bristle-feed box, of a bristleseparating mechanism arproxu'nity to the throat thereof,

COIIlPliSiDQ, oppositely disposed separatorbars having recesses in their contiguous ends, whereby a bristle-retaining recess is formed between said bars when in operative position, a cut-ell bar coi'iperating with said separatorbars for holding a tuft of bristles in said recess, and means for moving said separatorbars and said cut-off bar toward a bristletransmitting means.

3. in a machine for making wire-tied brushknots, the combination, with a ln-istle-feed box, of a bristle-separa ting mechanism located at the throat thereof, comprising oppositelydisposed separator-bars having differentlysized recesses at opposite sides of the contiguous ends thereof, whereby a ln'istle-retaining recess is formed between said bars when in operative position, a cut-off bar cooperating with said separator-bars for holding a tuft of bristles in said recess, and means for moving said separator-bars and said cut-off bar toward a bristle-transmitting means.

L. In a machine for making wire-tied brushknots, the combination, with the bristle-feed box, of a separating mechanism comprising reciprocating separator-bars, each provided with a guiding means, and a vertically-reciprocating cut-off bar for co i3perating with said separator-bars and having means for engaging the guiding means thereof.

In a machine for making wire-tied brushknots, the combination, with the bristle-feed box, of a separating mechanism, comprising reciprocating separator-bars, each provided with a guiding means disposed in the direction of its movement, and a reciprocating cutoff bar for cooperating with said separatorbars and having means for engaging the guiding means thereof.

6. In a machine for making wire-tied brushknots, the combination, with the bristle-feed box, of a separating mechanism, consisting of a guide-box, vertically-reciprocating upper and lower separator-bars provided with longitudinal grooves, and a vertically-reciproeating cut-off bar provided with a rib for engaging the grooves of the separator-bars.

7. In a machine for making wire-tied brushknots, the combination, with the feed-box and a bristle-separating mechanism, of transmitting-lingers movable into and out of the path of the latter, continuously-acting means for closing said transnfitting-lingers, and means for rendering said closing means inoperative and holding said lingers in open position except when the same are in cooperative relation with said bristle-separating mechanism.

8. In a machine for making wire-tied brushknots, the combination, with a bristle-feed box and a bristle-separating mechanism, of transmitting-lingers movable into and out of the path of the latter, a spring for closing said transmitting-lingers, and means for rendering said spring inoperative and for holding said lingers in open position except when the same are in cooperative relation with said bristle separating mechanism.

9. In a machine for making wire-tiedbrushknots, the con'ibination, with a bristle-feed box, and a bristle-separating mechanism, of transmitting-lingers movable into and out of the path of the latter, a spring for closing said transmittirig-lingers, and a stationary keeper bearing against one of said fingers during a part of the movementthereof and operable to render said spring inoperative and to hold said lingers in open position except when the same are in co( perative relation with said bristle-soparating mechanism.

10. In a machine for making wire-tied brush-knots, the combination, with the formin g-lin gers, of means for feeding a wire to said forming-lingcrs, a transversely-reciprocating cutter-bar provided with means for cutting off the wire blank and with a ki'iife-edge bar, means for actuating said cutter-bar so as to present said knife-edge bar to and withdraw the same from said "forming-lingers, and means for actuating the latter so as to bend the wire blank on said knife-edge bar and to clamp the bent blank about the tuft of bristles.

11. .In a machine for making wire tied brush-knots, the combination, with the forming-lingers, of a wire-feeding mechanism for feeding the wire below said lingers, a reciproeating cutter-bar arranged transversely of said lingers and provided at one side with a knife for cutting off the wire blanks and with a central knife-edge bar parallel to said knife, and means for actuating said forming-lingers so as to bend the wire blank on said knife-edge and to clamp the bent blank about a tuft of bristles.

12. In a machine for making wire-tied brush-knots, the combination, with the forn1- ing-lingers, of means at the ends thereof for guiding a wire, a transversely-reciprocating cutter-bar provided with means for cutting off the wire-blank and with a knifeedge bar, and means for actuating said. lingers so as to bend the wire blank into V shape on said knife-edge bar and to clamp the bent blank about a tuft of bristles.

13. .In a machine for making wire-tied brush-knots, brush-knot-forming lingers having wire-guiding holding-blades extending beyond the ends thereof.

14L. In a machine for making \viretied brush-knots, brush-knotforming lingers having holding-blades extending beyond the ends of the same and provided with wire-guiding recesses.

15. In a machine for making wire-tied brush-knots, the combination, with the forming-lingers, of means for actuating the same so as to clamp a wire blank about a tuft of bristles, and holding-blades extending beyond the lower ends of said forming-lingers, the ends of said blades being provided with wireguiding recesses.

TTO

16. In a machine for making wire-tied brush-knots, the combination, with the fulcrumed and spring-actuated forming-fingers, means for vertically reciprocating the same, and an intermittently rotary table, having ferrule-sockets therein, of means for locking the lingers in position above one of the ferrulesockets for feeding the tuft of bristles and wire down into a ferrule.

17. In a machine for making wire-tied brush-knots, the combination, with a bristletransmitting means, of pivoted spring-returned forming-lingers, a reciprocating bar in proximity to said lingers and having means thereon for intermittently locking the same so as to clamp the wire blanks about the tufts of bristles delivered by the transmitting means, and an arm depending from said bar for pushing the tufts from said forming-tingers into suitable ferrule-sockets after the completion of the clamping operation.

18. The combination, in a machine such as described, of an intermittently-rotating table provided with ferrule-sockets, vertically-reciprocating forming-fingers, means for actuating said lingers so as to clamp a wire blank about a tuft of bristles, means for moving said table so that one of said ferrule-sockets is in position below the tuft, and means for pushing the wired tuft into said ferrule-socket.

19. In a machine for making wire-tied brush-knots, the combination, with an intermittently-rotating table provided with a plurality of ferrule-sockets, of vertically-reciprocating forming-fingers, means for locking said lingers in closed position so as to bend a wire blank about a tuft of bristles, and means :for grasping the ends of the wire, pulling the tuft of bristles through the ferrule and then intertwisting the ends of the wire.

20. In a machine for making wire tied brush-knots, the combination, with an intermittently-rotating table provided with a plurality of ferrule-sockets, of forming-fingers in proximity to said table, means for actuating said fingers so as to bend a wire blank about a tuft of bristles, jaws for grasping the ends of the wire and pulling the same down through the ferrule, means for clamping said jaws upon the ends of the wire blank, and means for rotating said jaws and thereby intertwisting said ends.

21. In a machine for making wire tied bruslrknots, the combination, with an intermittently-rotating table provided with ferrule-sockets near its circumference, of a wiretwisting mechanism located below said ferrule-sockets, said wire-twisting mechanism being composed of fulcrumed and spring-actuated jaws, means for locking said jaws on the ends of the wire blank, and means for rotating said jaws for twisting the ends of the wire around the tuft of bristles.

22. In a machine for making wire tied brush-knots, the combination with a rotary table provided with ferrule-sockets, of a wiretwisting mechanism embodying wire-twisting jaws, means for moving said jaws toward and away from said table, means for locking said jaws on the ends of the wire blank, and means for actuating said jaws so as to intertwist said ends.

23. In a machine for making wire tied brush-knots, the combination, with a rotary table provided with ferrule-sockets, of a wiretwisting mechanism arranged beneath said table and embodying wire-twisting jaws, means for moving said jaws upwardly toward said table, means for locking said jaws on the ends of the wire blank, means for moving said jaws downwardly, and means for rotating the same.

24. In a machine for making wire tied brush-knots, the combination, with a rotary table provided with ferrule-sockets, of a wiretwisting mechanism arranged beneath said table and embodying a spindle, wire-twisting jaws rotatable with said spindle, means for clamping said jaws upon the ends of the wire blank, and means for rotating said spindle.

25. In a machine for making wire tied brush-knots, the combination, with a rotary table provided with ferrule-sockets, of a wiretwisting mechanism embodying a spindle, means for rotating the same, jaws rotatable with said spindle but longitudinally movable independently thereof, and means for locking said jaws upon the ends of the wire blank.

26. In a machine for making wire tied brush-knots, the combination with a rotary table provided with ferrule-sockets, of a wiretwisting mechanism embodying a spindle, a pinion thereon, a rack engaging said pinion, means for actuating said rack, jaws rotatable with said spindle, and means for locking said jaws upon the ends of the wire blank.

27. In a machine for making wire tied brush-knots, the combination, with a rotary table provided with ferrule-sockets, of a wiretwisting mechanism adjacent the same embodying a tubular spindle, means for rotating the same, wire-twisting jaws carried at one end of said spindle, and means extending through the latter for locking said jaws on the ends of the wire blank.

28. In a machine for making wire tied brush-knots, the combination, with an intermittently-rotating table provided with a plurality of ferrule-sockets, of a wire-twisting mechanism located in proximity to said table and consisting of a tubular spindle having wire-twisting jaws attached thereto, said jaws being independently movable in the direction of said table but locked against independent rotary movement, a pinion on said tubular member, a rack engaging said pinion, and means for intermittently actuating said rack and thereby rotating said jaws.

29. In a machine for making wire tied brush-knots, the combination, with an intermittently-rotating table provided. with equidistant ferrule-sockets near its circumference, of a ferrule-supply hopper located near the table, means for imparting a shaking motion to said supply-hopper, a perforated plate in said supply-hopper, a conical bottom for the same, and a feed-tube connected with an outlet-opening in said bottom, the lower end of the feed-tube being located over the ferrulesockets in the table for delivering ferrules to said sockets.

30. In a machine for making wire tied ln'nsh-lniots, the combination, with an intermittently-rotating table provided with ferrule-sockets and small holes adjacent to the ferrule-sockets, of an ejecting device located below said table and provided with pins for entering the holes of the ferrule-sockets, and means for operating the ejecting device at the proper time for ejecting the linishcd brushknots.

31. In a machine for making wire tied brush-knots, the combination, with an intermittently-rotating table provided with forrule-sockets, of an ejector-lever for ejecting the finished brush-knots from said sockets, brush-knot-forming fingers, and a bar for actuating said forming-lingers and said ejectorlever.

32. In a machine for making wire tied brush-knots, the combination, with a rotary table provided with ferrule-sockets, of an ejector device for ejecting the finished bru sh-knots from said sockets, Inush-knot-forming fingers,

and a reciprocating bar for actuating said forming-fingers and said ejector device.

33. In a machine for making wire-tied brush-knots, the combination with a rotary table provided with ferrule-sockets, of an ejector device for ejecting the finished brush-knots from said sockets, brush-knot-lormi ng fingers, a reciprocating bar, means on said bar foractuating said forming-fingers, and means on,

said bar for actuating said ejector device.

34. In a machine for making wire tied brush-knots, the combination, with a rotary table provided with ferrule-sockets, of an ejector device for ejecting the finished brush-knots from said sockets,brush-knot-forming lingers, and a reciprocating bar having means at one side thereof for actuating said forming-lingers and means at one end thereof for actuating said ejector device.

In a machine t'or making Wire tied brush-lniots, the combination, with an intermittentlyrotating table provided with ferrule-sockets, of forming-fingers, a bar for actuating said formingfingers and provided with a downwardly-extending stem, and a fulcrumed ejector-lever operable by said stem to eject the finished brush-knots from said ferrule-sockets.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my invention I have signed my name in presence of two subscribing witnesses.

MARTIN G. IMBACH.

\Vitnesses:

PAUL Gonrnn, HENRY J. SUHRBIER. 

